Happy Valley Racecourse witnessed an exciting finish in the Kwoon Chung Motors Handicap on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, as Super Sicario surged to victory under jockey Hugh Howman. The win marks Super Sicario’s second success from nine starts this term, solidifying his position as a contender in Hong Kong racing. The race, the first of the day, showcased competitive racing and provided a compelling start to the midweek card.
Super Sicario, backed to start as the favourite, demonstrated a strong performance, travelling comfortably before making a decisive move 200 meters from the finish. Maintaining a strong gallop, the horse secured a clear lead, leaving spectators impressed with its speed and stamina. The victory highlights the effective partnership between horse and jockey, and the strategic race planning that led to this result.
The race wasn’t without its challenges for other contenders. Kasa Papa, the early favourite, experienced a disappointing run, failing to travel well and not responding to jockey Zac Purton’s instructions, according to post-race reports. A veterinary inspection following the race did not reveal any significant findings, but the performance raised questions about the horse’s condition. Meanwhile, Perpetual Power’s performance was deemed unacceptable by stewards, requiring a barrier trial and veterinary examination before being allowed to race again.
All Are Mine finished a strong second, running on nicely near the outside after a patient ride from jockey Alexis Badel. The horse built upon a promising third-place finish in its previous start over 2,000m, demonstrating consistent improvement. Perfect Pairing secured third place, showcasing an improved effort in its third consecutive run down in Class Five, settling second last from gate 11.
Race Incident Highlights
The stewards’ report detailed several incidents during the race. Shortly after the start, All Are Mine was bumped by Perpetual Power and became unbalanced, while Perpetual Power was also crowded by On The Lash. Dragon Sunrise blundered while being steadied at the 1500-meter mark, impacting its positioning. Super Sicario was observed to lay in when under pressure in the Home Straight and was sent for sampling post-race, a standard procedure following a win.
Jolly Jumper, despite being sensationally backed, ultimately faded after setting a strong pace, with On The Lash grudgingly giving way. On The Lash’s performance was considered a better effort following disappointing runs at Sha Tin. Conspiracy Witness, despite getting every chance, only plodded over the last 100 meters, resulting in an unremarkable finish.
Stewards’ Concerns and Post-Race Procedures
The performance of Perpetual Power drew significant attention from the stewards, leading to the requirement of a barrier trial and veterinary examination before its next race. This action underscores the commitment to ensuring the welfare of the horses and maintaining the integrity of the sport. Kasa Papa’s disappointing run prompted a veterinary inspection, which did not reveal any immediate concerns, but further evaluation may be considered.
Several horses were sent for sampling post-race, including Super Sicario and All Are Mine, as part of standard racing protocols. This ensures fair play and adherence to anti-doping regulations within Hong Kong racing. The veterinary inspections conducted on Rosewood Fleetfoot and other horses also yielded no significant findings.
The Kwoon Chung Motors Handicap provided a captivating start to the Happy Valley race meeting, with Super Sicario’s victory highlighting the competitive nature of Hong Kong racing. The race also brought to light the importance of thorough post-race evaluations and the commitment to maintaining the well-being of the horses involved.
Looking ahead, the focus will be on the upcoming races at Happy Valley and Sha Tin, with trainers and jockeys analyzing the performances from this meeting to refine their strategies. The continued monitoring of horses like Perpetual Power and Kasa Papa will be crucial as they prepare for their next challenges. The Hong Kong racing season continues to deliver thrilling action and compelling storylines for fans around the world.
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